Registering as a candidate

An individual running for federal office must register and file financial reports when he or she raises or spends more than $5,000 in contributions or expenditures.

Federal candidates must designate a principal campaign committee. This campaign committee takes in contributions and makes expenditures for the candidate’s campaign. Candidates may designate
additional authorized campaign committees to help raise
and spend funds, but only a principal campaign committee is required.

This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.